Francis Xavier is patron saint of Missionaries in the Catholic Church. He is well known for being a great enthusiast for bringing the Christian faith to Asia. He saw such a vast number of people who, according to the theology of the day, were destined for hell because they were not baptised Christians, so he sought to bring Christianity to as many as possible.
He began in the Portuguese colony of Goa. Although he had been sent by the King of Portugal to stimulate the Portuguese colonists to lead a more God-fearing life, he found greater fruit working with local people.
He travelled around Asia to many countries including Japan.
He felt if he could convince the emperor of China of the Faith he could bring a whole continent to Christ.
Although he baptised thousands, he never managed to get to China, dying within sight of the mainland on the island of Sanchian.
Probably still the most venerated of Jesuit saints, today he is particularly venerated in Goa.
Quote from the Saint
It is not the physical exertion that counts towards one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.
St Francis Xavier
Saint Francis Xavier
Born: 1506
A Basque, born in Javier (Xavier) in the Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain).
1525: At the age of 19 he went to study in the University in Paris.
1529: Met Ignatius of Loyola in Paris
1534: Took vows of Poverty and Chastity with Ignatius and companions in Paris.
1537: Ordained priest with Ignatius in Venice.
1542: Was missioned to Goa in India.
1549: Went as missionary to Japan.
1552: Died of a fever in Sanchian, within sight of China.
1622: Canonised Saint
Today’s Scripture:
Galatians 5:22-26 NRSVACE
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
Thought for the Day
Does the example of my life draw others to God?
Music
1 My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heav’n thereby,
nor yet for because to love thee not
I might forever die;
but for that Thou didst all mankind
upon the cross embrace;
for me didst bear the nails and spear,
and manifold disgrace;
2 And griefs and torments numberless,
and sweat of agony;
e’en death itself, and all for one,
who was Thine enemy.
Then why, most blessed Jesus Christ,
should I not love Thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heav’n,
nor or of escaping hell;
3 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
nor seeking a reward,
but as Thyself hast lovéd me,
O ever loving Lord!
E’en so I love Thee, and will love,
and in Thy praise will sing,
solely because Thou art my God
and my eternal King!